Lisa Paolino’s continued absence has passed the point of absurdity and she should resign immediately. This has been addressed several times in both articles and letters to the editor in this paper.

Early on in this year Lisa said that her mother was ill and that she had to tend to her. Later, when contacted by Sam Strike, as reported here, she indicated that she had been ill and could not sit up for the long hours of the meeting (although claiming she was still working for her constituents).

This claim is fairly ridiculous. How can she be serving us if she is not here or at the commissioners’ meeting? By telephone? By e-mail? Sounds like we could outsource the job to India, doesn’t it?

This year, to date, has been one of the most significant years in many, many years for Radnor Township. Decisions are being made about firing people and laying folks off, about budgets and cuts in service, about hiring interim personnel and about the future of the township. At the most recent commissioners’ meeting, in addition to the townshipwide issues, there were two items that were specific to our ward (five-points intersection and cell tower on Bryn Mawr Avenue). Luckily Commissioner Hervada spoke up regarding the cell-tower issue since his ward is on the other side of Bryn Mawr Avenue; otherwise we would have had no representation at all.

At the June meeting I asked the commissioners to address the issue and all I got back was a referral to our Interim Counsel. A reading of our Township Charter and Code, regarding ethics, suggests that there is action that can be taken by the board. I will defer to legal counsel on this issue. Below are portions of the pertinent sections of -- 39-2 Responsibilities of public officers and employees.

Public officials and employees are agents of public purpose and hold office for the benefit of the public. ... They are bound to observe in their official acts the highest standards of morality and to discharge faithfully the duties of their office regardless of personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest must be their primary concern. Their conduct in both their official and private affairs should be above reproach ...

-- 39-3A Dedicated service.

Officials and employees should adhere to the rules of work and performance established as the standard for their positions by the appropriate authority.

carla, if john nagle deserves some props for his letter to the editor, then dan sherry deserves an apology from john nagle, since last week john told everyone on here that dan was full of shit, and then turned around this week and used dans argument in a letter to the editor.

Oh, Dan, sorry I caused you trouble.
By the way your first response makes absolutely no sense in the context of the discussion. So when someone other than me discusses folks not coming out or being involved it is ok?

Also, did I ever suggest that there was any defense of Lisa's absences? There is none and our charter doesn't cover this and the rest of the Commissioners don't have the fortitude to do something about. Worse yet, under state law the person has to be essentially convicted of a crime before anything can be done.... Very frustrating indeed.

Don't know if I will run again or if I will run as a dem ( since you put it that way).

John, I appreciate the apology, but what specific trouble are you claiming you caused me?

Also, did I ever suggest that there was any defense of Lisa's absences?

Actually, in my opinion, you did something worse than that, John. You stated that Ms. Paolino's absences were "Generally...not a big deal".

I find your comment to be particularly loathsome since you, a 5th Ward resident (and someone who has run for Commissioner in that Ward on two occasions) know full well how important it is for each Ward in Radnor to have active representation on the Board of Commissioners during their meetings.

There is none and our charter doesn't cover this and the rest of the Commissioners don't have the fortitude to do something about. Worse yet, under state law the person has to be essentially convicted of a crime before anything can be done.... Very frustrating indeed.

I refer you to Chapter 39 of Radnor Township's Charter, titled "Code of Ethics", and I further direct your attention to subsections §39-2, §39-3(A), and §39-9:

§39-2 Responsibilities of public officers and employees.

Public officials and employees are agents of public purpose and hold office for the benefit of the public. They are bound to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this state and to carry out impartially the laws of the nation, state and municipality and thus to foster respect for all government. They are bound to observe in their official acts the highest standards of morality and to discharge faithfully the duties of their office regardless of personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest must be their primary concern. Their conduct in both their official and private affairs should be above reproach.

****

§39-3A Dedicated service

Officials and employees should adhere to the rules of work and performance established as the standard for their positions by the appropriate authority.

****

§39-9 Violations and penalties

Violation of any provisions of this code may constitute a cause for suspension, removal from office or employment or other disciplinary action to be invoked under applicable law by the Board of Commissioners.

Accordingly John, I disagree with you, and I think that Radnor's Charter anticipates and outlines the type of conduct that is, arguably, being exhibited by Ms. Paolino (systemic and ongoing absences), and provides a potential avenue for relief (i.e., removal from office).

Dan, being the good lawyer I assume you are aware that the there was a state supreme court case which said that the state laws had pre-emption over any local laws in this matter (elected officials)?

Pennsylvania Constitution are Article II, Section 7 (relating to ineligibility by criminal conviction of an infamous crime),4 Article VI, Section 6 (relating to officers liable to impeachment for misbehavior in office), and Article VI, Section 7 (relating to removal of civil officers for conviction of an infamous crime, misbehavior in office, or reasonable cause). These provide the exclusive methods for removing elected officials, including elected local officials, thereby nullifying contrary statutory provisions. In conformity with the Constitution, a court is authorized to remove an elected official upon his or her conviction of an infamous crime.

so carla, i think it is really good that john nagle, a week later, has apparently reversed his belief that 'radnors charter doesnt cover this', but it makes this sandwich pretty angry that john insults dan sherry on this site, and then turns around and uses dans exact thought process (which he belittled) in a letter to the editor one week later!

I can't say for sure that John used all of Dan's thought processes because I am not John OR Dan. Nor does it matter. If you feel that he has used Dan's thought processes, then I think that is a positive because it means idea sharing is occuring. And in my mind that is what you want ultimately, isn't it?

So please, I am not nor ever will be a U.N. Peace Keeper. I adore my chicken sandwich, but seriously, you all need to let some stuff go and move forward. Dan and John will work it out eventually or reach détente. Or they won't. But it's up to them, ya know?

I think it is great John wrote this letter, no matter what the impetus...may many more letters follow from others. I am trying to see the glass half full versus half empty, ok darling sandwich?
____________________________________________________________L'homme est né libre, et partout il est dans les fers/Man is born free, yet he is everywhere in chains.–Jean Jacques Rosseau. The Social Contract, 1762

Chicken, people like John Nagle are what make Radnor special. I do not know why you are so impressed with Dan Sherry, but most people in Radnor think that Dan is all sizzle and no steak. John Nagle is the real McCoy.

I am sure Dan is very good in the courtroom, and I am sure he can talk circles around most people, but at the end of the day, the only thing Dan Sherry has done in Radnor is cost the taxpayers thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars. He is like the kid who goes up to other kids' sandcastles on the beach, and kicks them over, because he doesn't have the talent to build his own. Unlike John Nagle, Dan Sherry can't build consensus or take on complicated projects. Those things are beyond his nature. His only 'talent' (if you can call it that) is to destroy whoever or whatever he considers his opponent or enemy.

Dear Ungabunga,
Your choice of blog handle is still a puzzle given the definition some of us have found on Urban Dictionary.

However, that being said, I think you need to rethink that statement abot Dan Sherry. Because as an observer, and a fairly thorough one, I have not seen where Dan Sherry has cost any taxpayers a thing.

I doubt any of us have a crystal ball as to the future, but given what the past has been there is more than enough room in Radnor for the Dan Sherrys and the John Nagles. For one thing (and I find it rather important), Dan and John represent two different generations which both deserve a voice.

Ungabunga, for one who seemds to want the truth out there, why do you speak in sweeping generalizations without factual backing?

Dan is a lawyer. Lawyer deal in facts. If you think he has cost taxpayers money or whatever, please....present the facts. You see, both John and Dan would try to do that IMHO. Otherwise? You become part of a problem, not part of a solution, and it seems to me that even when they disagree, John and Dan are BOTH seeking solutions.

Carla, my handle is the name of my two adopted cats. Unga is a 3 year old tabby, and Bunga is a 5 year old Siamese. I didn't think to rename them, but I am sorry if the urban dictonary definition of unga bunga confuses you.

Thanks but no thanks about Dan Sherry. It doesn't take any skill to do what he does. Embarassing commissioners and school board directors is not a skill. I was so angry when he attacked Commissioners John Fisher and Bill Spingler a few weeks ago, I almost threw a shoe at the television.

You want facts? Dan Sherry and his brother (and mommy dearest) spent two years suing the township over a few insignficant pieces of paper. Yes, the Sherrys did win (probably due to their legal connections), but what exactly did they win? A few pieces of paper and some money. The taxpayers had to fund the defense. Even though I am a proud Democrat, I actually agreed with Kathy Fisher (a Republican) and the board, as I felt that Judy Sherry shouldn't be given any documents. She's got a fetish for trying to find things wrong in Radnor, instead of actually trying to improve our way of life.

Radnor doesn't need people like the Sherrys. It needs people like John Nagle. John Nagle is a man of principle. He is not seeking to gain anything from the volunteer work he provides. He is not seeking the spotlight. He is a man who wants to help his neighbors, not tear them down.

If the Sherrys have so many issues with Radnor they should leave. After they leave, we will throw them a goodbye party.

I think your opinions about the Sherry family are utterly ignorant. At least they have the balls to get up in public and say what is on their mind. As does John. As does Christina Perrone. As does Chip Layfield.

So I think you are a big bag of wrong on this. No one is perfect ungabunga, I certianly don't pretend to be, but I do know speaking out is not so easy, so I am sorry, until you give me proof these people are all evil and harmful, my opinion is they have a right to be heard and have something to offer.

Carla, I think you are very smart. But you must be joking when you talk about John Nagle in the same sentence as Christina Perrone and the Sherry family. Name one thing the Sherry family has done other than sue the school board. Name one thing Chritina Peroone has done other than speak at meetings. Hmmmmmmmm?

John Nagle and the Conservancy get things done. They preserve land. They installed a CSA. They keep Radnor looking beautiful. They don't just talk, they act. While I was very sad that John lost to Lisa Paolino (what a witch she is), I am excited that Elaine will soon be on the board, as she shares many of John's wonderful traits.

So please don't compare John Nagle with blabbermouths like the Sherry family and Christina Perrone. There is no room for them in Radnor, but plenty of room for people like John Nagle, John Fischer, and Elaine Schaefer.

Ungabunga,
You are right: I am very smart. And you,you are misguided in your vitriol.

John Nagle will tell you himself that Christina Perrone and the Sherrys have indeed contributed to Radnor. They don't just talk, they act. So I am guessing you don't know him as well as you claim to.

Maybe Elaine will make it into office, maybe she won't, but I have to tell you, people do read this blog, and reading what you are scribbling won't help her because whoever you are you have a major axe to grind is what I am hearing.

You know why John lost to Lisa the last time? Because armchair quarterbacks like you sat back and let it happen. Put your money where your mouth is.

The Radnor Conservancy does many wonderful things. But Radnor Township isn't run by the Radnor Conservancy, and the Radnor Conservancy can't run Radnor. You aren't doing them any favors with your vitriol either. Or the Democrat Party of Radnor.

Thanks for stopping by, but please, pause before you hit "submit". I feel sorry for you because you are spiraling into the nonsensical.

Now go take a walk at the Willows or something....you really need to chill.

Ungabunga,
Thanks for the kind comments but I agree with Carla that you need to tone it down a little. No sense feeding the frenzy.....
BTW, although I don't necessarity agree with everything from Christina, she is singularly responsible for bringing a lot of the crap to light especially with regard to fiscal issues. We should all that her for that.

BTW, although I don't necessarity agree with everything from Christina, she is singularly responsible for bringing a lot of the crap to light especially with regard to fiscal issues. We should all that her for that.

you forgot the word 'thank', john. i think that was a classic freudian slip by you, because i dont think you are thankful to christina perrone, because your comments on here and on t.v. make you appear to be very anti-transparency. for example, you thought it was harmful to the township that the dave bashore issues got handled in public.

also, as great as christina perrone is, there are a lot of people in radnor who bring issues forward and push for open government. i see them on t.v. during the televised radnor commissioenr meetings. what about roberta winters? what about judy sherry? what about chip layfield? what about maricella haun? what about john haines? what about maya van rossum? what about diane edbril? what about jane golas? the list goes on and on and on. so your 'singularly responsible' claim with respect to christina perrone, while flattering, is bogus. i have seen you at meetings (doing the cha-cha-cha with elaine paul schaefer in the background) so you should know better than that!

I love Christina Perrone, but she's not solely responsible for bringing issues forward - it is a team of people who regularly demand good and open government in Radnor. That's why it bugs me when John Nagle describes the taxpayers in Radnor as apathetic, or when he claims that all of the problems can be attributed to the public being disinterested. It is simply not true.

I do not know why you are so impressed with Dan Sherry, but most people in Radnor think that Dan is all sizzle and no steak. John Nagle is the real McCoy.

All sizzle and no steak? On its face, that comment by Ungabunga sounds terrible. However, I have tried to limit my red meat intake in the past couple of months, so maybe that philosophy isn’t all bad…

I am sure Dan is very good in the courtroom, and I am sure he can talk circles around most people, but at the end of the day, the only thing Dan Sherry has done in Radnor is cost the taxpayers thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars.

Yes, Ungabunga, you and John Nagle share these views with respect to the extent of my accomplishments vis a vis Radnor Township. I disagree, but hey, it's always good to have an opinion!

He is like the kid who goes up to other kids' sandcastles on the beach, and kicks them over, because he doesn't have the talent to build his own.

Clearly, Ungabunga, you have never witnessed my expertise constructing "drip towers". My moats, however, left a lot to be desired.

Unlike John Nagle, Dan Sherry can't build consensus or take on complicated projects. Those things are beyond his nature. His only 'talent' (if you can call it that) is to destroy whoever or whatever he considers his opponent or enemy.

I seem to have morphed into an evil version of the Incredible Hulk in Ungabunga's eyes. Let me try that on for size..."Me Dan Sherry. ME SMASH!!!!"

I've had some disagreement with some of John's views in regards to Radnor and government in general, but that is what blogs are all about and this is a very good letter-to-the-editor on an important topic.

John, as to your question,"talk is cheap.... isn't it?" I think that it is a matter of context.

For example, the price of speaking up for imprisoned Iranian protesters is potentially quite dear. Even in our little Radnor, I have had to hire professionals to defend against what I consider intimidation tactics, like a threatened lawsuit from a jackass commissioner and a bogus township audit.

So, is talk cheap? No, there may be a price to pay for speaking up.

However, I also think that talk is a poor substitute for action and that is how I used the phrase in my post to Politeia. I agreed with him that you wrote a fine letter with good legal citations. But you should follow through by putting your complaint in writing and submitting it to the township's Ethics Board and BOC for action.

You have the right to do it, and it's the right thing to do, and while you may pay price with your pals on the board, it'll be cheap compared to the price to your ward of doing nothing.

Thanks Politeia,
I have been investigating this issue for quite some time. Contrary to the suggestion that I copied from Dan Sherry, I have been through our code and the PA constitution with several lawyers and the head of the Dem party (also a lawyer). I am guilty of cutting and pasting the code from his post because it saved me some time.

We have looked over the Sunshine Law and the RTK law several times and cannot for the life of us find the section that exempts Radnor from them!

Why don't the citizens of Radnor care that their elected boards habitually IGNORE these laws that were enacted to strengthen our democracy?

Even when the Township loses in Court, Radnorites get mad at the person complaining about the back room shenanigans, not the people who engage in back room shenanigans.

As many of you know, we host another blog (www.local-issues.com) and participate here solely through the kind hospitality of Doug & Carla. We are considering backing off of the Radnor stories on Local-Issues as no one seems to care!

It is like yelling into a tornado. These arrogant elected officials act like petty potentates and not only is it applauded, it is encouraged.

As an aside, (ducking from thrown tomatoes) Lisa Paolino has violated her obligation to the people. The BOC has continually violated the Sunshine Law and RTK law. The School board is an adjudicated offender.

Most of the people on SAC are offended by this. They are trying to create change for the good in their own way- including posting at SAC. Arguing amongst ourselves is counter-productive. The problem resides on Iven Avenue and in the School District Building (and maybe at Mimi's house)not amongst us. It has gotten pretty hot on this Board. Good people who want good government are whacking at each other. We think we should try to reduce the temperature and stop the invective amongst the allies for good government at SAC.

Even when the Township loses in Court, Radnorites get mad at the person complaining about the back room shenanigans, not the people who engage in back room shenanigans.

e.g.,

Lisa Paolino has violated her obligation to the people. The BOC has continually violated the Sunshine Law and RTK law. The School board is an adjudicated offender.

e.g.,

Most of the people on SAC are offended by this. They are trying to create change for the good in their own way- including posting at SAC. Arguing amongst ourselves is counter-productive. . .Good people who want good government are whacking at each other. We think we should try to reduce the temperature and stop the invective amongst the allies for good government at SAC.

John, you can copy anything you want! The fact that I was able to convince you that the Radnor Charter was potentially applicable to Lisa Paolino's systemic absences, is more than enough payment for me.

Good job with the letter...one hopes to read more of those in the near future.

Dan, sorry, you did not convince me of anything but you did provide the info in one convenient spot.... I had discussed this with Bruce (and 3 Commissioners and the Twp Solicitor) way back in Feb/Mar time frame. My goal was to provide readers with the information so that they can be as upset as I am about the absences. Yes we will keep the issue in front of the public.

I had discussed this with Bruce (and 3 Commissioners and the Twp Solicitor) way back in Feb/Mar time frame.

john, come on, pal.

i know you probably dont want to give dan sherry credit for anything, but your above post is bogus.

here is what you, john nagle, stated on s.a.c. two weeks ago (which was late july)-

Also, did I ever suggest that there was any defense of Lisa's absences? There is none and our charter doesn't cover this and the rest of the Commissioners don't have the fortitude to do something about.

after you said that, dan sherry and i, and others on s.a.c. told you that the charter could apply, especially the portion on ethics. the very next week, you wrote a letter to the editor saying this -

A reading of our Township Charter and Code, regarding ethics, suggests that there is action that can be taken by the board.

so yeah, I don’t buy your claim that you learned about this way back in feb/march. if that was true, why would you ever say on s.a.c. (as late as july 2009) that the charter didn’t cover lisa paolinos behavior? it makes no sense, john.

however, like dan sherry, i am delighted that you now believe the charter can be applied to lisas absences. hopefully you take chips advice, and follow through with an ethics complaint. talk is cheap.

I too tried to eat tuna salad today, but it seems like everything spoils the second I take it out of the fridge (lousy muggy weather). I'm going to try to find a McDonalds - and not to worry, it won't be the one in Ardmore. Tow Squad ain't getting my money or my Honda!

A relevant blog thread comes to mind--the one that someone (maybe Carla) called the most commented on blog post in SAC history: "Where's Lisa P?"http://www.saveardmorecoalition.org/node/3163. Posted 5.27.09--about 10 weeks ago.

The Lisa P issue might turn out to be another example of the effectiveness of persistent attention at the SAC blog to situations in LM and Radnor Townships that shout out for remediation--once someone who pays attention brings them out here.

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